Deck repair is an essential part of maintaining your home’s outdoor space. This includes replacing boards, tightening railings, cleaning, and addressing mildew or mold growth.
Small repairs typically cost a few hundred dollars, but extensive damage or rot can reach the price of a new deck. Contact Deck Builders Greensboro NC for professional help.
Damaged boards are one of the most common problems that call for deck repair. Whether they are warped, splintered, or cracked, they can create uneven surfaces and jeopardize the safety of people using your deck. The good news is that many kinds of damage are easily repaired with materials you probably already have at home, though extensive water damage might require professional help.
Splintered Boards
Exposure to sunlight, moisture, and foot traffic erodes wood fibers, causing them to break loose and create jagged splinters. Sanding and applying a protective finish can prevent future splinters from developing.
Cracked Boards
Sun exposure and temperature changes cause deck boards to expand and contract, which can lead to warping or cracking. Replacing these boards with new ones will ensure a safe and stable surface.
Loose Nails, Screws, or Bolts
Constant use and weather fluctuations cause fasteners to loosen, resulting in shifting and broken boards. Regular inspections and tightening can prevent this.
Mold, Mildew, and Termite Problems
Prolonged exposure to moisture leads to mold, mildew, and rot in deck boards, while termites quietly devour the material from the inside. Poor drainage exacerbates these issues, and regular treatments can protect the material from moisture.
Wood filler or putty can fill the gaps left by damaged boards, helping them blend seamlessly into the surrounding areas of the deck. Once it has dried, sand the area smooth with a power sander to ensure the repair is even and durable. Once the deck is repaired, you can re-stain it to help it retain its color and protect it from moisture and sun damage in the future. To keep your deck in top shape, follow a maintenance schedule that includes regularly cleaning the surface to remove dirt and debris and applying a fresh coat of stain every couple of years. This will not only improve the appearance of your deck, but also prevent costly repairs down the road. Taking the time to perform these tasks will give you years of enjoyment and enhance the value of your property. If you have questions about how to maintain your deck or are concerned about storm damage, contact Ergeon today.
Failing Fasteners
Fasteners are a vital part of most structures, and they can be very difficult to work with when they begin to fail. Failing fasteners can cause costly delays during construction, rework, and even structural failures. It is important to understand the causes of these failures and take preventative measures to minimize them.
The most common reason for fastener failure is corrosion. This is caused by exposure to moisture, chemicals, and differing temperatures. This can cause the metal to weaken, causing it to deform or crack. It is also important to choose the right fastener material and installation method. Fasteners should be made of materials that are compatible with the substrate they will be joining and should be installed with a suitable coating or threading.
Another common cause of fastener failure is shear force. This can occur in the fastener itself, in the steel sheets being secured, or in the attachment of the fastener to the steel sheet. Shear failure can result in hole elongation, shearing of the fastener shank, or necking of the steel sheet.
Shear forces are very high and can cause damage quickly. This can lead to premature wear and tear, which can cause connections to fail before their intended service life. In addition, shear forces can corrode and damage the surrounding steel.
There are several ways to reduce the risk of faulty fasteners, including following best practices, using quality fasteners, and regularly inspecting the worksite. The use of locking fasteners can also help to prevent loosening and damage. In addition, it is important to ensure that fasteners are properly sized and installed.
If you notice any faulty fasteners, it is important to seek professional assistance immediately. Roofing experts have the knowledge and equipment necessary to repair these issues effectively and safely. In addition, they can provide valuable insight into industry best practices, reducing the likelihood of future problems.
Loose Railings
Wooden railings add a natural aesthetic to a deck and provide a safe bridge between indoor and outdoor living areas. They’re also less expensive than metal or plastic options. But like other types of decking, they’re susceptible to weather damage that can lead to loose or damaged components. Whether your deck’s railings are wooden or metal, it’s important to inspect them for signs of wear and make prompt repairs to avoid structural shifts and safety issues.
Loose railings are a common problem that can be due to weakened screws, degraded wood, or poor installation. The best way to fix this issue is to examine the railing’s attachment points and tighten or replace them as needed. For example, if a handrail’s brackets are mounted to drywall without studs, install new mounting anchors that are built to hold more weight.
Similarly, if your metal railings are experiencing loosening or corrosion, use metal epoxy to repair the damage. Rust may be the most obvious sign of corrosion, but other symptoms can include cracked fasteners or loose balusters. To repair a loose baluster, apply wood glue to the flat end of a toothpick and insert it into the gap between the baluster and the railing. Once the glue has dried, sand the area smooth and apply a weatherproof sealant.
Masonry problems such as crumbling mortar and uneven stair railings can be difficult to repair yourself. If your brick, flagstone, or concrete steps are showing signs of wear and tear, call a third-generation masonry professional to conduct a thorough inspection and make necessary repairs. With expert work and regular maintenance, your patio, balcony, or staircase will be in great shape for the summer ahead. Contact Capital Masonry today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced masons! We have the skills, expertise, and dedication to complete all your masonry needs.
Rotted Wood
Wood is an excellent construction material that is resilient to many biological effects, as long as it remains dry. When exposed to moisture, however, wood can quickly decay and lose its structural integrity. Rotted wood can damage your home and lead to expensive repairs if it isn’t addressed promptly. Fortunately, there are ways to protect lumber from rot. Regular sweeping, applying special products designed for the wood type and painting wood surfaces can all help prevent serious problems with rot.
One of the most serious effects of rot is its ability to penetrate the structure of a building and weaken it. It is important to inspect the entire structure of a house for signs of rotted wood, and to take action as soon as possible. If left unchecked, rotted wood can lead to severe structural damage and even collapse the entire building.
In the case of rotted wood, it is recommended that you consult a professional contractor to handle the repair and replacement process. This process involves removing any affected drywall and exterior cladding to expose the underlying wood, identifying the extent of the damage, and then carefully removing and installing new, pressure-treated wood to replace the damaged sections.
If you think your home may have rotten wood, the best way to test the situation is to poke the wood with a screwdriver or awl. If the wood feels soft and spongy, it is likely to be rotted, but be careful not to touch any areas that are obviously wet or mushy.
The good news is that if you catch rotted wood early, it can be repaired with epoxy resin and staining. This can be a relatively inexpensive repair, and will allow you to save the existing wood rather than replacing it entirely. Items that are commonly repaired with this method include window and door trim, casings, balusters, stair railings, fascia boards and newel posts.
In addition to making a quick repair, it is also recommended that you inspect all wooden areas of your home for the presence of fungus and other pests. Fungi are commonly found in wood that has been damaged by water, and can cause the spongy or crumbly appearance that is a common sign of rot. If you find any fungi, it is recommended that you hire a licensed exterminator to deal with the problem as soon as possible.
